K-Electric (KE) removed around 30,755 kilogrammes (kg) of illegal ‘kunda’ connections to curb power theft in parts of Baldia and Lyari from July to November 2018. These kunda wires, some of which were hundreds of meter long, were removed during ongoing kunda removal drive conducted by power utility. These drives, coupled with installation of insulated and theft-resistant aerial bundled cables, have resulted in nearly 70 percent of KE’s network being exempt from load shedding, according to the company. These efforts were in line with KE’s efforts to provide reliable and uninterrupted power to all parts of Karachi. According to KE spokesperson, “The power-utility reiterates that, illegal hook connections, in addition to being a public safety menace, also damage power infrastructure and compromise reliability of power supply. K-E uses advanced technologies including automated meter-reading-based energy systems and effective energy audits at distribution transformer level to unearth power theft and apprehend power pilferers. KE remains fully committed to eradicate power theft and appreciates support of community to help curb menace of electricity theft.” KE’s consistent efforts towards curbing power theft and illegal abstraction along with other initiatives have enabled power utility to reduce its Transmission and Distribution (TD) losses by around 14 percent since 2009. Reports of power theft may be made by calling at 118 or 021-99000 or through KE’s Facebook and Twitter pages or anonymously via email. Published in Daily Times, December 9th 2018.